רַחֲמָה

a maiden

Definition

The Hebrew noun רַחֲמָה (rachămâh) primarily means 'a maiden' or 'young woman.' It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Judges 5:30, where it is used in the plural form to refer to the captive women ('a damsel, two damsels') in Sisera's mother's taunting song. As the feminine form of רַחַם (rechem, 'womb'), the word carries a subtle connection to the idea of one who is of childbearing age or capacity. There are no other major senses or meanings attested in the biblical text, as its single occurrence defines its usage.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in the poetic Song of Deborah (Judges 5:30). It appears in a taunting, rhetorical question from Sisera's mother, imagining the spoils of war including captive women. The context is one of warfare, plunder, and female captivity. No patterns of usage exist across other books.

Etymology

רַחֲמָה (rachămâh) is the feminine form of the noun רַחַם (rechem, H7356), meaning 'womb.' The derivation directly links the concept of a maiden to her biological capacity for motherhood. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to 'womb' or 'compassion,' though this specific feminine form is rare.

Semantic Range

In its ancient Near Eastern context, a 'rachămâh' was a young woman, likely of marriageable age. In the context of Judges 5:30, these maidens are viewed as spoils of war, a common and tragic reality in ancient conflict where women were often taken as captives. This reflects a stark difference from modern understandings of individual rights and the value of persons.

נַעֲרָה (naʿarâh, H5291) — a more common general term for a young woman or girl. בְּתוּלָה (bethûlâh, H1330) — often emphasizes virginity or a young woman of marriageable age. אִשָּׁה (ʾishshâh, H802) — the general term for 'woman' or 'wife.'

Word Details

Scripture References